First Appearance
Hawkgirl’s first appearance creates an interesting case, one we’ve seen played out in the Silver and later ages but was rarely seen in the Golden Age. That is, a character making an appearance first as their secret identity, and then later appearing as a superhero.
Shiera Sanders, Hawkgirl’s initial secret identity, made her first appearance in the immortal Flash Comics #1 from 1940. There are 88 graded copies in the CGC census. The most recent sales include a 5.0 mid-grade copy selling in a January 15 Heritage auction for $192,000 and a brittle 0.5 grade selling in a June 25 Heritage auction for $27,600.
Regardless of the grade, you’ll pay a lot for this comic, which also includes the first appearances of the Flash, Hawkman, and Johnny Thunder.
Shiera Sanders made her first appearance as Hawkgirl in All-Star Comics #5. Published a year-and-a-half after Flash Comics #1, there are 133 graded copies. A 7.5 grade sold in the December 2022 Heritage auction for $3,960, while a 4.5 sold in a June 4 eBay auction for $2,080. If you’re in the market for Hawkgirl keys, this is definitely one to consider. It’s the first appearance of the Hawkgirl character and it’s much more affordable than Flash Comics #1.
Silver Age Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl made her first appearance in the Silver Age in The Brave and the Bold #34 with her secret identity of Shiera Sanders remaining the same. With this issue also including the first Silver Age appearance of Hawkman, it has always been a desirable collectible. As such, there are 891 graded copies in the CGC census.
There are a number of recent sales to guide us in terms of pricing: an 8.0 selling on June 20 for $2,280, a 6.5 on July 26 for $845, a 4.5 also on July 26 for $414, and a 2.0 on June 13 for $204. All sales are at or near peak for the respective grades, so it may be worth holding back to see where prices go before making a purchase.
Hawkgirl Joins the Justice League
Hawkgirl joined the DC’s premier superhero team in Justice League of America #146. Considered a run filler for JLA completists, there are only 44 graded copies. The two most recent sales tell different stories. A 9.8 sold in the February 2 ComicConnect auction for a record price of $143.
In the exact same auction, a 9.6 sold for just $32, down more than 50% from the previous sale of a slashed $70 in October 2022. Even at a record price the 9.8 is still very affordable and worth considering as part of a Hawkgirl collection.
The Many Identities of Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl and Hawkman were retooled by Timothy Truman in 1989’s Hawkworld #1. At the start of this mini-series, Hawkgirl is called Hawkwoman and is portrayed as Thanagarian Shayera Thal.
With only 26 graded copies and a 9.8 last selling for just $50 on February 28, this could make for a nice investment depending on how the character is portrayed in Superman: Legacy.
Which brings us to All-Star Comics #2 and JSA Secret Files #1. We’ve talked about these 1999 comics before, as All-Star Comics #2 features the first cameo appearances of both Kendra Saunders Hawkgirl and Courtney Whitmore, who would later become Stargirl, while JSA Secret Files #1 gives us the first full appearance of the new Hawkgirl.
There are only five graded copies of All-Star Comics #2, and it currently sports an average $203 price tag for a 9.8. Much easier to find is JSA Secret Files #1 with 127 graded copies. Kendra Saunders is the odds-on favorite to be Hawkgirl in the DCU, although the previous identities can’t be fully ruled out for now.
The safe bet, however, would be to purchase both All-Star Comics #2 and Secret Files #1. You'll likely have to dig through raw collections at shops or shows, though, to find All-Star Comics #2.
Are you excited about Hawkgirl’s inclusion in the DCU? What are your expectations for the associated comic books? Let us know your thoughts below.
